Why I No Longer Shop at COACH and Bath & Body Works

When I support a cause, I usually really support it. I’m not the type to halfheartedly give lip service to a very important topic and then let my actions speak otherwise. Abortion is that topic for me. My mind simply cannot wrap itself around how Christians in this country do not do more to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.

Proverbs 31:8

One of the things that we can do to show our support (or lack thereof), is to be good stewards of the money that God has entrusted us with. Everything under the sun belongs to the Lord. God does not give us money to be squandered on worldly things such as alcohol, gambling, etc. If we knowingly purchase goods from companies who donate large sums of money to either Planned Parenthood, or other abortion promoting agencies, than what are we doing? This is especially true for goods in which there are similar alternatives that can be purchased which do not give to the abortion cause.

The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains…

Psalm 24:1 (NASB)

Satan is a master counterfitter. He is the enemy and does not want to be exposed. If he can use seemingly benign objects to advance his purposes (such as purses, shoes, and even groceries), he most definitely will.

I have been following Life Decisions International at www.fightpp.org for some time. This website gives a partial list of companies that financially support Planned Parenthood in some way. Earlier this week I discovered a great new app, called 2nd Vote. This app rates businesses based on their donations to other sources.

Normally about once a year I receive a COACH bag for either my birthday or holiday. This is something that I look forward to. The purses are really great quality, and we always purchase them from the Clearance Section in their Factory Outlet. Well, much to my surprise COACH was listed on the new 2nd vote app, and not in a good light.

(screenshot from my phone)

So, I decided to do some research. First I looked up Estee Lauder’s website. Is COACH an Estee Lauder brand? Yes, it is. I then went to the National Women’s Law Center website and clicked on their “Abortion” link under Our Issues and Health Care and Reproductive Rights. This is what I found.

Okay, so this organization most definitely advocates for abortion. They also undermine the work of Crisis Pregnancy Centers. I then went to their donor list, which notes doners that make large financial contributions.

There is Estee Lauder. Along with many other companies, including Avon, General Electric, and The Home Depot Foundation. This list keeps going, this is just a glimpse of companies from a small phone screenshot.

Organizations such as Birth to Five Policy Alliance and Early Care and Education Consortium are listed as donors as well. Apparently the National Women’s Law Center also champions cases pertaining to working mothers, and therefore Early Care (prior to kindergarten age) organizations donate too. How ironic.

Additionally, on 2nd vote I noticed that Bath and Body Works donates to Planned Parenthood through it’s parent company Limited Brands.

So, what are we to do? Why do companies that market directly to women have such a hand in giving to prochoice organizations? The world has somehow gotten the notion that abortion helps women into the heads of feminine-based businesses. This trend must be reversed!

We must…

Pray.

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.

Ephesians 6:18

Follow our Convictions.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV)

Act.

Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Being an informed shopper is a wonderful thing. We can in essence “vote” a 2nd time with our God given resources. Unfortunately, there are a multitude of companies that our family avoids. Please take a moment and visit www.2ndvote.com. As their site states, it is “the revolutionary new app that keeps your spending aligned with your conservative values.” Researching companies online isn’t very difficult if the Lord guides you to do so.

NICOLE CRONE enjoys writing encouragement for moms in which God is glorified at her blog, Children are a Blessing. She is wife to Rusty, and mom to eight sweet children. Nicole has been a homeschool mom for thirteen years, and is currently a member of The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew. When Nicole isn’t homeschooling, you can find her writing, reading, sewing, or blogging at www.childrenareablessing.org. She is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Nicole

NICOLE CRONE enjoys writing encouragement for moms in which God is glorified at her blog, Children are a Blessing. She is wife to Rusty, and mom to eight sweet children. Nicole has been a homeschool mom for thirteen years, and is currently a member of The Old Schoolhouse Review Crew. When Nicole isn’t homeschooling, you can find her writing, reading, sewing, or blogging at www.childrenareablessing.org. She is active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

54 Thoughts on “Why I No Longer Shop at COACH and Bath & Body Works”

Thank you for an informative post on a subject that we should all take seriously. I don’t shop for Coach or Bath and Body Works products, but I didn’t know about the app. Thank you for the info.
have a great day!

Thank you for this – I didn’t know that this “list” existed. I have been making note of companies that support same-sex marriage and the homosexual agenda (Target, Amazon.com, Starbucks) and boycotting, but the abortion supporters – wow, why didn’t I know about this? Thank you for this community service you have provided. Our resources are from God. We cannot use them to support evil.

This is where I found my information: http://www.elcompanies.com/Pages/Coach.aspx It appears that the relationship is more on the skin care/fragrance side, but of course if they have a partnership it all ties together. I hope this information helps!

Unfortunately I see many Christians who treasure particular brands and compabies (I see this particularly with Disney) to the point that they become ‘Lesser Gods’ in their lives. We cannot serve two masters, and we must be vigilant in how and where we spend our money, and whay companies we advertise and promote, even to our children and friends, by simply having them in our house, let alone all over our blogs and websites. I do not believe this is just a simple matter of ‘eating meat from the temple. These are companies that actively support and promote things which are abhorrent and an abomination to the Lord. Thank you for your post, and I pray that God will richly bless you.

If you look on this app you are touting, Lowe’s only received a score of 5.5 because they give to the United Way which in turn supports Planned Parenthood. They also donate to the American Diabetes Association which funds embryonic stem cell research. While Home Depot gives to a charity called the Atlanta Women’s Foundation, a group that is dedicated to ending generational poverty for women, it is that Foundation that gives to Planned Parenthood.

I’m not writing this to promote HD over Lowe’s or any other company. You just have to really read and research what foundations do. Neither of those two large companies outright support PP. While PP is involved in the abortion issue, they also are the largest provider in the US of cancer and HIV screening. Abortions only make up about 3% of where their resources go. Three percent is too large for some people and that is understandable but while there are things about PP that I morally do not agree with, they do offer a great number of resources that are very valuable to our society.

I think we all get too wrapped up on keywords and hot issues to delve deeper into each foundation. Everything and everyone has a bad side and good side. You have to weigh them against each other.

We most definitely need to weigh options, and I’m becoming more and more convinced that hometown, small businesses that we can research personally are the best way to go. Planned Parenthood commits over 300,000 abortions yearly. That number is huge. The NWLC, Planned Parenthood, and other such organizations would like us to only think of the “good” that they do, and not the bad. Christians need to be discerning of these wolves in sheep’s clothing.

I need be more knowledgeable about this. Years ago, I did a lot of boycotting of pro-abortion companies, but somewhere along the way just quit doing the research. I don’t buy Coach purses, but it’s good to know that Lowes is okay since that’s where we normally shop. And I didn’t know there was some easy ways to discover how companies fare. Thanks for this info.

It’s my pleasure. Unfortunately I recently discovered that Lowes indirectly funds abortion through some of their donations to nonprofits that do. A lot of companies do this in some form or fashion. All that we can do is try our best to stay informed, and then make the best choices based on our current knowledge.

Interesting point about Bath and Body. The ingredients they use in their products are linked to birth defects as well. I’ve avoided them for years.
All the same, what a great list, I am going to look up a few things there. When I can afford it, I definitely prefer to support the small guy any-way 🙂

Interesting post about this app, I had not heard of it. One thing I have noticed is that Christian’s seem quick to boycott companies that support abortion and homosexual lifestyles but not so quick to boycott companies who goods are made in oversea sweatshops with terrible working conditions where worker death is common. Most recently in the news were companies such as H&M, Apple, Nike, and Walmart. Trust me, I know how hard it is to give up products I like, but factory conditions are just as important as these other issues and yet I rarely see Christian blogs addressing them.

I’m sorry, but factory conditions are just not as important to me as the murder of babies, which is what abortion is. I created this blog in great part to speak up for those babies. That is my purpose. I hope that you have a blessed day!

As someone who personally donates and supports Pregnancy Resource Centers and whose church is incredibly active in the support against abortion I completely support the fight against it. However that being said, 1000 people died two weeks ago in a factory in Bangledesh making clothing that gets sold to Americans. Abortion, or adults dying because of unsafe working conditions, are both tragic. If boycotts help send a message to companies that we will not tolerate them supporting abortion that is fantastic, and also wonderful would be letting companies know that we will also not tolerate abuse of their employees simply so we can have cheap goods.

Wow! This is a great article on this topic. I had never heard of the site 2ndvote.com. Thank you so much for putting this information out there. I keep track of companies as I find them out that do not support conservative values but this is amazing. Thanks again!

I was browsing the internet when I found your blog. Your post is very informative and I so like it. I am a prolife and this information helps my decision making to what I would buy. In the first place I am not into Coach (just own 1) and not to bath and body works too. I’d better concoct my own stuff through herbs and natural products. Thanks for sharing! God bless!

I do not believe in coincidence, so I know that I needed to read this. I have passed this on to my favorite women who also belive, as you, that we can not support these companies. I am shocked! I will be tossing a few items today and will not purchase anything in the future. This is such an eye-opener, thank you!

Thank you for this! Like someone else commented above, I have already been purposely not supporting places like Home Depot and Starbucks for their openly homosexual agenda, but companies who support Planned Parenthood never even crossed my mind! I will be using this app, and I will also be sharing this post in my email newsletter today.

I am increasingly aware of all of the agendas that companies have. It is truly sad that in order to grow a business people have to give up their morality, but I guess their thought is if you can’t beat them, join them. Thank you for your post. I personally can’t imagine walking into an abortion clinic, and to date have nobody close to me who had one is pleased with their decision. We need all the voices we can get to stop this legal genocide, and the hurt of the women who were lied to about the life of their baby. We can’t stop sweat shop production, or the companies that take advantage of them. We can stop things in our own country, like abortion.

Tell me about it! I WILL boycott until these companies either support pro life companies, or just stop supporting pro choice companies, and when I support a cause, I REALLY support it. 🙁 God will help somehow, however. 🙂

What a great post! Thanks for sharing! I haven’t heard of the 2ndvote site and will be looking it up. Last summer my husband and I found a list of companies that support the LGBT agenda and have stopped shopping those stores and brands. It’s a huge commitment, especially when it includes companies like ebay and Target and a dozen or more that were regular parts of our lives, whether sources of income or for buying. It’s a sacrifice, but it’s worth it. I’ll have a look at the list for Planned Parenthood as well… thanks!

Thank you for this post. I have been struggling with my boycott of Target because they seem to have everything I “want” on clearance. I have had to call my mom and talk it out twice and the last two weeks. The things I want are not as important as the values God commands. I needed to know I’m not crazy and that this is something I need to stick to my guns on. For those looking for a source on homosexual marriage supporting companies you can look up how to spend your gay dollar and the gay website will tell you the companies they think support gay marriage the most. I think the site is queerty ? I know Levi, google, apple, and Campbells soups were on there.

Honestly, I believe that women should choose whether or not to abort the baby, as every situation differs and we, as outsiders to those women should have no say in what goes on in her body. Through my perspective, I would never and could never have an abortion, but in cases of rape, incest, or extreme physical or mental danger to the mother or baby, only the woman should be able to say what she wants for her, her family, and her baby. However I do not support abortion in cases of accidental or unwanted pregnancy just because it’s a gift from our Lord.

I believe that abortion is murder, and mothers shouldn’t have that “choice.” From one of my AHA drop cards:

“Rape, incest and abortion are wrong for the same reason. They are all violent acts of aggression upon other people’s bodies. Human beings who are conceived in rape or incest should not be punished for their father’s crime. All human beings conceived are still human beings regardless of the circumstance and they possess human rights.”

I just want to thank you SO much. Up till 10 minutes ago, I supported abortion in cases of rape and incest, but after clicking a few links on your blog I read this at abolishhumanabortion.com

Jesus Christ called us to care for the weakest members of our society, not abandon them to destruction. Undoubtedly, this includes the children killed by abortion. Children conceived in rape and incest deserve our protection and adoption. Children diagnosed with serious developmental abnormalities deserve our compassion and assistance. We are to care for the fatherless and the infirm, not abandon them to violence at the hands of well-paid strangers.

This really spoke to me. Now I realize that the Lord wants these poor, poor children to be born, and not to die.

Thank you again for changing my views on abortion. I feel much better about myself knowing that the Lord does not frown on my view of life.

Sorry if it feels like I’m spamming this blog post :D, but I’ve really researched abortion today and fond this great pro-life article at http://www.lifenews.com/2010/04/05/nat-6223/ Apparently, the majority of surveyed women who were raped or assaulted didn’t have abortions, because they felt like it adds much more harm.

one great thing about being poor—i have very little money besides groceries, secondhand clothes and gas for my car, so shopping at any store besides walmart hardly ever happens lol
i have never in my life owned a Coach bag but i did used to love Etinne Aigner (spelling?) wen i was in high school and in my early 20s. one less thing to worry about now–simplfying IS a blessing 🙂

Thank you so much, I will now be thinking about selling my Coach bag. I too looked forward to a new one every year, not anymore. I stumbled across this blog via Facebook share on a homeschooling page, u have been just the blessing and encouragement that I needed today, God bless you.

Oh wow! The more I read on your blog the more amazing information I find! I love my coach bags as well, and I LOVE lotions, candles, everything from Bath and Body works! 🙁 Such a shame that they do this. And even worse that no one even seems to know about it.
At my old church, the pentecostal church that we left, it was normal for women to dress modestly, as in long skirts and ‘correct’ necklines, but it always seemed they were pushing the limits on accessories, since jewelry was not allowed many would do fancy hairstyles that would obviously take hours in front of the mirror to do (my thoughts is they could have spent that time praying for the church service but im no one to judge) also no makeup was allowed, so the two things that I noticed the women REALLY were into were their watches (as these we allowed) as well as their shoes (the fancier and higher the high heel the better for some), their tights or leggings (fancy designs better), and lastly but the most important was the what seemed consistant competition for who had the latest and greatest new Coach bag. they’d buy the big ones for diaper bags, the newest most expensive ones. I mentioned one time to the pastor how did it matter if these women fell into the ‘guidelines’ of modesty for the church if they were doing all they could to get right to that border and adorn themselves as much as they could but still be within the church ‘laws’, how did that make them modest? anyways, all that is a bit off topic, but i am just shocked to read this! Im afraid to go look at that site you mentioned but Im going to!

Thanks Tara! Be sure to keep updated on the 2nd Vote app, because sometimes companies change policies! Actually, I took a look a month ago and Coach didn’t seem to have near the problems they had. I need to put that disclaimer in here. 🙂

Hi Anya! Yes, we don’t support Starbucks either. Sometimes the older girls receive a gift card from an unknowing friend, and I allow them to use it since I figure Starbucks would be making more funds if the gift card was bought and no product delivered. 🙂

Is this a joke? I didn’t really think people like you existed in real life anymore. You people are the meanest, most bigoted, small minded bunch of idiots I’ve ever heard of! So you’re telling me that if you had a knife held to your throat while you were violently raped and tortured and left for dead, that you would have the baby if you got pregnant from the rape? And your husband would be fine raising another mans baby? What if your rapist was s black man or a Mexican man?? Would you still have that baby???? If you’re ignorant enough to think no woman should have an abortion or that being gay is wrong then I’m positive on what you think of biracial babies! Or you would give the baby up for adoption? I doubt you could mentally handle carrying a baby for 9 months knowing how you got pregnant w/o losing your mind or changing your mind about the adoption! Yet you expect other women to? What about women who are pregnant w babies who are severely mentally impaired or severely ill and won’t live much past birth? Or women who have to choose between their own life or the embryos? I’m not saying women who are 4, 5, months pregnant or further should have abortions. By 8-10 weeks they should know their pregnant and have made a decision but I absolutely believe in a woman s right to choose. And now I’m going to go spend my paycheck at Bath and Body Works!! Have a lovely day and God Bless!! Pray for me sisters

Hi, I would have the baby. Rape isn’t the babies fault, and babies are always a blessing. I believe the baby would be a light in an otherwise dark situation. And it isn’t our job to play God if given a poor diagnosis in pregnancy. I was given just that with last child, and she was born perfectly healthy. God bless!

So you don’t want to support a company that gives to Planned Parenthood because you are against abortion? That’s ok and all but did you ever stop to think abortions are only 1% of what they do. They also provide cancer screenings, birth control, and other preventative measures? You also do realize that some people have to have and abortion do to health reasons. If the baby dies inside a woman she has to get it removed or else she could die. If a woman is raped an becomes pregnant you’re saying she should have to go through 9 months of carrying an unwanted pregnancy then give birth? If a 15 year old gets pregnant she should just have to accept it and let her parents take on the financial burden or give it up for adoption which is already an over flowing institution? Most people aren’t pro life they are pro birth. Once the baby is born you don’t care anymore. If you cared you would help pass out birth control, advocate for sex ed, donate to adoption agencies and maybe even adopt. Until you are in the place of a woman who is debating on an abortion don’t you dare say no woman should ever have one. It is 100% legal in every state to have one for a reason. Also, I am a woman who has never had one. Happily married and a church going Christian my entire life. Thank you.

I’m for the babies that have no voice, and did nothing to deserve a death sentence. I’m also pro-woman. Crisis pregnancy centers are beautiful, and are pro-woman and pro-baby. In fact, my eldest daughter has spent the entirety of her day volunteering at one to help these families in need, as she does every week.😊

You didn’t answer any of my other questions. Do you support Planned Parenthoods efforts in cancer screenings and providing birth control for people who can’t easily get it? Do you yourself advocate for adoption agencies, donate to them, or help promote safe sex using birth control? Teens and adults are going to have sex regardless of if they are told to wait until marriage. I know some people wait till marriage but the majority don’t. Have you yourself ever been in a position where you feared for your life either because you were raped and now have emotional distress as well as an unwanted pregnancy or that your baby has died inside of you and needs to be aborted immediately so you don’t die and abandon your family? I would love to know your thoughts on these issues.

I honestly don’t have much time to debate and I’m not looking to. I absolutely do not support anything that Planned Parenthood does. All needed womanly services can be found at women’s centers that do not provide abortion. Adoption is beautiful, birth control is not. My mission in life is to serve my God, my family, and to see abortion end in my life time. As I’m sure you well know, no one has the time to advocate for every good cause imaginable. THIS is my calling. At the same time, adoption services and crisis pregnancy centers go hand in hand. Just a few weeks ago I donated $100 of clothes to a six year old girl in the state’s care. Emotional distress resulting from an unwanted pregnancy nor being brutally raped are not reasons to murder a baby. By the grace of God I’ve not been in those scenarios, but if I was, I would choose life. I promise you. I have miscarried naturally one month from the time my baby died in the past. But a D & C of a miscarriage is not the same thing as an elective abortion of a living baby.

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